A country-wide celebration to mark the beginning of the FIFA World Cup begins in Mount Pearl on Monday.

The major international soccer tournament, which officially begins June 11, is taking place in sixteen cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

In this country, Vancouver and Toronto will be hosting some of the matchups.

As part of the leadup to the event, FIFA is holding a series of free community events across the country known as Canada Celebrates, and Mount Pearl is hosting the first one Monday at the Team Gushue Sports Complex.

Mayor Dave Aker says there will be a lot happening, including a showing of an exhibition match between Canada and Uzbekistan live from Edmonton.

He says there will also be live bands playing, a setup for people to test their soccer skills, and food leading up to the game.

The event begins on Monday at 4 p.m.